Allergy-Free Easter Checklist

As families celebrate Easter, there are many triggers that can cause an allergic reaction, especially for kids who enjoy receiving that special Easter basket. Watching out for allergy inducing triggers is key. Florida Center For Allergy & Asthma Care has some suggestions for keeping families safe and allergy-free this holiday with this Allergy-Free Easter Checklist.

• Make sure all food items are free of possible allergy causing ingredients, such as: peanuts, milk, eggs and wheat. Many can also be allergic to chocolate, a popular Easter basket treat.
• An alternative is to fill the basket with toys, stickers, books and other fun, non-food items.
• For those that still want to include sweets, buy allergy-free candies or sweets made from organic and natural ingredients.
• Instead of decorating regular eggs, try decorating ones made of plastic or wood.
• Another option is to make Jello Easter eggs or even cookies using Easter molds.
• Many children are allergic to the saliva and dander from pets, including bunnies. Stay away from animals that are known to cause allergies and always wash your hands when handling them.
• Read all labels prior to consuming any food that might be an allergen.
• Parents should also be aware of what their children are ingesting. Many times traces of allergens can remain on the surface of cutlery. Also watch out for possible cross-contamination with other food items that can cause an allergic reaction.
• Allergy sufferers should always carry an EpiPen or an epinephrine auto-injector.
• Spring is here, so if you are going outside to take part in the fun of an Easter egg hunt, keep in mind that pesky allergy-causing pollen is in the air.